Client Testimonials
Helped us visualise the end result and allow us to finalise a design that we were thrilled with
Doug was recommended to us by a friend who had worked with him previously, and after interviewing a few architects we decided to work with him on the extension and renovation of our home in High West Jesmond.
What initially attracted us to Doug was his empathetic manner, his clear understanding of our thinking and his ability to ask good questions about what we wanted to achieve with our home renovation without being overpowering or precious in any way. He quickly understood what we wanted to achieve and how we anticipated doing it, but he also challenged our thinking in a couple of areas and delivered several creative and innovative additions to the plan that were hugely practical but also delivered a wow factor to the whole project. It took us four or five iterations to fix on the final design and this process was aided significantly by a couple of visits to Doug’s studio to look at 3-D imaging of how the inside and the outside of our house would look. This really helped us visualise the end result and allow us to finalise a design that we were thrilled with.
After the design was finalised, Doug created full architectural plans and submitted them on our behalf with the local planning department. The planning process went smoothly, and he then drew up a full schedule of works and, at our request, helped us to select a builder. The detailed work schedule proved to be invaluable both in comparing quotations and, ultimately, in managing the cost of the build.
Once we had selected a builder Doug suggested that we manage the build ourselves. We liked the fact that he was very open with us about the pros and cons of having an architect manage a build and he didn’t push us strongly in any particular direction. Because of all the preparation work Doug had done for us, we felt comfortable taking on the project management ourselves, particularly knowing that if things ever got difficult then Doug would be available to us.
The build progressed smoothly, and we are absolutely delighted with the end result, which has surpassed our initial expectations of what we could do with the space available to us. The build also came in exactly on budget.
We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Doug to anybody who is looking for a practical but creative architect to help them remodel their home.
N&S house extension and alterations in Newcastle
Drawings and attitude to practicality to be of a very high standard
I would like to place on record my satisfaction about all dealings with you and your staff in the last year or so. I have always found all dealings i.e., site meetings, details, drawings and attitude to practicality to be of a very high standard.
Contractor
A friendly, professional company who listens
Excellent service from start to finish. A friendly, professional company who listens to the customer’s needs. Would recommend.
Contractor
Very impressed with the standard of work produced
I was very impressed with the standard of work produced by Milbank Architects. The overall impression of Milbank Architects was professional, and the drawings produced were very clear and detailed.”
Private developer
Milbank's service was very professional, friendly and effective
In 2018 Milbank Architects provided architectural design for a garden room extension to our kitchen and for a loft conversion to provide an additional bedroom and bathroom. Milbank enabled the selection of a suitable construction company and provided close technical support, advice and liaison with the contractor throughout the programme of works.
We are very happy with the completed works. The architectural design has enhanced the look of our 1930s semi-detached house, both inside and out. Milbank’s service was very professional, friendly and effective in enabling successful completion of the programme.
J.N, house extension and loft conversion, Newcastle upon T
A great architectural practice
Milbank are a great architectural practice who can do the practical as well as the creative, which is rare! I’ve used Milbank Architects services on a number of schemes and have nothing but praise for their designs and their attitude towards the project. A great team led by Doug, well done.
Developer, barn conversions and new build luxury dwellings
Highly impressed by the quality of their design
I have worked with Milbank Architects over several years as a sub-consultant [Landscape Architect] and am highly impressed by the quality of their design, their practicality, their attention to detail and their awareness of environmental issues. In particular, they respond very well to the unique character of each site with which they are involved and maintain a holistic approach by working closely with other professionals to achieve a unified solution on some of the most challenging projects imaginable. They are easy to work with, extremely supportive and always endeavour to get the best out of each situation for the benefit of their clients. I am therefore delighted to recommend them as a practice with whom it is a pleasure to do business.
Landscape Architect, New build housing and environmental schemes
We have nothing but praise for the excellent work
We have nothing but praise for the excellent work that Milbank did to our house extension. From the first meeting where we described our ideas to the last when our plans were finally crystallised into a perfect design, Doug and his team were attentive, understanding and (thankfully!) patient. Our original ideas were much improved by their imagination and input, and always recognised the priority of giving us a comfortable and functional home.
Milbank also provided practical advice on the tender and construction process, including a comprehensive scope of works that ensured there were no unpleasant surprises during the construction works. They were also happy to give advice as queries arose on site even after completing their work for us.
A.L, House extensions and internal alterations, Hamsterley Mill
An excellent professional service
An excellent professional service. From start to finish we were pleased with the responsiveness and help provided by Milbank Architects, and I would highly recommend them. Thank you for your patience and understanding and your foresight to turn our thoughts into our now lovely extended living/dining area.
Y.E, house extension and internal alterations, Consett
Provided excellent service and support
Milbank Architects have provided excellent service and support in the development of our scheme to provide an indoor hall and specialist racquets centre based on our Club. They have shown great initiative in progressing the scheme, researching the options thoroughly, involving planners, highways and local authority sports officers in the development of ideas and providing a realistic range of costings. Throughout they have paid great attention to our requirements and the plans fully reflect our wishes. They demonstrate a great willingness to listen and are at all times friendly and cooperative.
Tennis Club Chairman
I find them excellent to work with
I have worked with Milbank Architects on a number of schemes now and I find them excellent to work with. They create some great looking properties as well as being able to produce details that work on site. A great choice, they’ve never let me down.
Contractor
The building has made an impact beyond that envisaged
The building has made an impact beyond that envisaged when it was designed. Its layout and ease of use attracts both pupils and staff to use the facilities available. This occurs not only because the building is new, light and airy but also because the design differentiates between the various users.
Headmaster BCS
I found your professionalism of a high standard
Milbank were very helpful in this case, and I found your professionalism of a high standard with regard to myself and the client. Any problems that arose were dealt with quickly and efficiently by yourselves and I would have no hesitation in using your services again in the future.
Community OTC Gateshead Council
An excellent professional service
The Gateshead Housing Company has enjoyed a successful partnership with Milbank Architects for several years. They have provided an excellent professional service as project managers of numerous sustainability schemes and refurbishment projects (such as Wardley Bungalows). Their designs have always been of a high quality and their client focused attitude has facilitated a successful outcome for both the Housing Company and its customers.
The Gateshead Housing Company
Quality of work for both planning and building control applications to be of a high standard
Gateshead Council have a positive relationship with Milbank Architects and a professional partnering relationship with our Building Control service. We find the quality of work for both planning and building control applications to be of a high standard, and they are part of the Council service user group for planning and building control looking at knowledge sharing and service improvement.
Development Manager, Gateshead Council
1st class architect in Derwentside
1st class Architect with sound knowledge of the planning application process. Doug outlined the whole process from start to finish and gave us a detailed plan around both his costings as well as what the overall project cost would be. My wife was impressed with Doug’s ideas and incorporated a lot of his input into the final outcome. Would endorse Millbank to anyone that is looking for advice as well as needing a steer around potential builders/suppliers.
MMc, Northumberland
Excellent design, proactive support - a great partner to have for a construction project
We have nothing but praise for the excellent work that Milbank did on our house extension. From the first meeting where we described our ideas to the last when our plans were finally crystallised into a perfect design, Doug and his team were attentive, understanding and (thankfully!) patient. Our original ideas were much improved by their imagination and input, and always recognised the priority of giving us a comfortable and functional home.
Milbank also provided practical advice on the tender and construction process, including a comprehensive scope of works that ensured there were no unpleasant surprises during the construction works. They were also happy to give advice as queries arose on site even after completing their work for us.
A.P, Northumberland
Milbank Architects is a practice which provides a first-class service for its clients
I have worked with Milbank Architects over several years as a sub-consultant [Landscape Architect] and am highly impressed by the quality of their design, their practicality, their attention to detail and their awareness of environmental issues. In particular, they respond very well to the unique character of each site with which they are involved and maintain a holistic approach by working closely with other professionals to achieve a unified solution on some of the most challenging projects imaginable.
They are easy to work with, extremely supportive and always endeavour to get the best out of each situation for the benefit of their clients. I am therefore delighted to recommend them as a practice with whom it is a pleasure to do business.
A.S, Gateshead
Great Experience working with Milbank
Milbank are a great architectural practice who can do the practical as well as the creative, which is rare! I’ve used Milbank Architects services on a number of schemes and have nothing but praise for their designs and their attitude towards the project. A great team led by Doug, well done.
GOC, Durham
Highly recommended
Excellent service from start to finish. A friendly, professional company who listens to the customer’s needs. Would recommend.
H.D, Durham
Excellent service
I was very impressed with the standard of work produced by Milbank Architects. The overall impression of Milbank Architects was professional, and the drawings produced were very clear and detailed.
J.O, Developer
